Bill > HB5541

This bill, known as Daniel's Law, expands protections for personal information to include elected officials, in addition to judicial officers, prosecutors, and law-enforcement officers. It defines an "elected official" as anyone who has won an election for a state or local office in West Virginia, even if they haven't yet taken office. The bill prohibits government agencies and private entities from knowingly disclosing the home address or unpublished personal phone number of these officials and their immediate family members, unless they have obtained written permission. This prohibition applies if such disclosure could reasonably lead to harassment or harm. The law also establishes civil penalties for violations, including actual damages of at least $1,000, punitive damages, and attorney's fees, and creates a misdemeanor offense for willfully refusing to remove such information after a written request. The purpose of this legislation is to enhance the safety and security of these public servants and their families, allowing them to perform their duties without fear of reprisal.